Why a Motivation Letter Matters
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) is a unique opportunity to live, work and learn in another European country. The motivation letter is your chance to convince the host organization that you are the right person for the placement. It shows your personality, commitment and how your goals align with the projects objectives.
Structure of a Strong Letter
- Header Your name, address, email, phone, date and the name of the host organisation.
- Opening paragraph State the specific EVS project you are applying for and where you found the offer.
- Why you are interested Explain what attracts you to the theme, the country and the hosts work.
- Relevant experience and skills Link past studies, jobs, volunteering or travel to the tasks described in the project.
- What you will bring Show the added value you offer (language skills, intercultural competence, technical knowhow, etc.).
- What you hope to learn Outline personal and professional development goals.
- Closing paragraph Summarise your enthusiasm and thank the reader for considering your application.
- Signature Typed name; if sending a PDF, you may add a scanned signature.
Key Content Tips
- Be specific. Refer to concrete activities mentioned in the project description.
- Show, dont tell. Replace generic statements (I am a team player) with brief examples.
- Align values. Connect your personal motivations with the European Commissions core values: solidarity, inclusion and active citizenship.
- Keep it concise. Aim for 500800 words (roughly one A4 page).
- Proofread. Check spelling, grammar and format; ask a friend or mentor to review.
- Use a professional tone. Avoid slang, emojis and overly informal language.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Copypasting a generic template without adapting it to the specific project.
- Focusing too much on what you will get, rather than what you can contribute.
- Repeating information that is already present in your CV.
- Leaving gaps in chronology or failing to explain shortterm stays.
- Using overly complex sentences that reduce clarity.
Sample Paragraphs
Opening:
I am writing to apply for the threemonth EVS placement as a Youth Trainer with GreenFuture in Barcelona, advertised on the EurAids portal on 12March 2024.
I am writing to apply for the threemonth EVS placement as a Youth Trainer with GreenFuture in Barcelona, advertised on the EurAids portal on 12March 2024.
Why this project:
The focus on communityled environmental education resonates with my degree in Sustainable Development and my volunteer work teaching recycling workshops in my hometown.
The focus on communityled environmental education resonates with my degree in Sustainable Development and my volunteer work teaching recycling workshops in my hometown.
Relevant experience:
During my internship at EcoAction, I coordinated a team of twelve students to organise weekly cleanup events, which improved participation rates by 35% over three months. This experience has given me practical skills in project planning, stakeholder communication and data reporting all central to the EVS role.
During my internship at EcoAction, I coordinated a team of twelve students to organise weekly cleanup events, which improved participation rates by 35% over three months. This experience has given me practical skills in project planning, stakeholder communication and data reporting all central to the EVS role.
What I will bring:
Fluent in Spanish and English, I can facilitate bilingual workshops and serve as a cultural bridge between local partners and international volunteers.
Fluent in Spanish and English, I can facilitate bilingual workshops and serve as a cultural bridge between local partners and international volunteers.
Final Checklist
- Addressed to the correct contact person?
- Project title and reference number included?
- Clear link between your background and the assignment?
- Specific examples instead of vague statements?
- Word count within 500800 words?
- Proofread for errors?
- Saved as PDF with a clear file name (e.g., JohnDoe_EVS_MotivationLetter.pdf)?
